Blind Drain-Semimember Locking Mechanism for Trench Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing trench half-elements face challenges in precise assembly due to small dimensional deviations, leading to labor-intensive and costly repairs or scrapping, as they require accurate positioning of numerous columns which can be affected by bending or production-related issues.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a base grid with columns featuring complementary connecting elements, including projections and receptacles, allowing for secure and precise connection of trench half-elements through a locking mechanism, ensuring accurate alignment and firm assembly even with slight inaccuracies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional connecting elements are used without locking projections, then the assembly process is simpler, but the connection precision and stability deteriorate, requiring labor-intensive rework for minor deviations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection precisionVSAvoidconnecting element complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking projection on the first connecting element automatically engages with the second connecting element during assembly, creating a self-securing connection that maintains precision without requiring additional fastening operations or complex alignment procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The locking projection acts as an intermediary mechanical feature that mediates between the two connecting elements, ensuring precise engagement and stable connection while simplifying the overall assembly process through automatic locking

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If columns are made rigid to maintain shape, then structural stability is improved, but susceptibility to bending from frozen stresses or production issues increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolumn stabilityVSAvoidresistance to deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection design anticipates potential dimensional deviations from production or storage stresses by incorporating a locking mechanism that accommodates minor variations, preventing complete assembly failure before the problem manifests

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple columns are precisely positioned for proper assembly, then the drainage trench assembly quality is improved, but the time and effort required for assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly precisionVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The fitting projections and receptacles on the columns perform self-alignment during assembly, automatically positioning columns correctly relative to each other without requiring manual measurement or adjustment, thereby maintaining precision while reducing assembly time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3555383B1Blind drain-semimember
Publication Date: 2024.10.09 REHAU IND SE & CO KG
  • EP3555383B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3555383B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3555383B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a blind drain-semimember (18), comprising a base grid (2) and at least one pillar (1) connected to the base grid (2) and projecting approximately perpendicularly away from the base grid (2), the opposite end (3) of the pillar from the base grid (2) having a surface (4) comprising a first connecting element (5) or a second connecting element (8), wherein at least some portions of the first connecting element (5) and the second connecting element (8) have a complementary form and the first connecting element (5) and the second connecting element (8) can be interlocked.